Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Hangzhou to enact China’s first local health promotion law

    Hangzhou to enact China’s first local health promotion law

    Hangzhou, capital of China’s Zhejiang Province, is establishing a groundbreaking precedent in public health governance by enacting the nation’s first municipal-level health promotion regulation, effective January 1, 2026. This legislative milestone transitions health advocacy from voluntary guidelines to legally binding requirements, with scientific weight management positioned as the cornerstone of its public health strategy.

    The comprehensive legislation, structured across ten chapters and fifty-four articles, addresses seven critical domains: health services, health security, environmental health, lifestyle health, health impact assessments, health industry development, and digital healthcare integration. The regulation mandates systematic approaches to nutritional monitoring and physical activity infrastructure, representing a proactive shift toward preventive public health measures.

    A distinctive feature requires educational institutions, elderly care facilities, hospitals, and meal delivery services to employ qualified nutrition professionals who must undergo regular specialized training. Simultaneously, municipal authorities must expand public sports facilities and implement national fitness programs aligned with urban development plans. The regulation further stipulates that primary and secondary schools must open their sports facilities to the public outside instructional hours, with government subsidies provided to participating institutions.

    Health Commission Director Fang Jianguo revealed concerning metrics driving this initiative: 30% of Hangzhou’s adults face overweight conditions while 8.7% experience obesity, though these figures remain below provincial and national averages. Director Fang emphasized that the legislation addresses emerging health challenges through upstream prevention strategies, representing a transformative approach to population health management that could establish a template for other Chinese municipalities.

  • Norway’s crown princess likely needs lung transplant, palace says

    Norway’s crown princess likely needs lung transplant, palace says

    The Norwegian Royal Household has announced a significant deterioration in Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health, indicating that a lung transplant will likely become necessary for the 52-year-old royal. The princess, diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, faces a degenerative condition that creates scar tissue within the lungs, progressively stiffening them and impairing both breathing capacity and oxygen absorption into the bloodstream.

    Recent medical evaluations conducted during autumn revealed what palace officials described as “a clear worsening” of her condition. Dr. Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine at Oslo University Hospital, confirmed that medical teams are approaching the threshold where transplantation becomes imperative. While no formal decision has been made regarding her placement on the transplant waiting list, physicians have initiated the comprehensive evaluation process required for such procedures.

    The Crown Princess acknowledged the accelerated progression of her illness in an interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, stating it has developed “faster than I’d hoped.” Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, Norway’s future monarch, provided poignant context during the joint interview, explaining that while his wife might appear “perfectly fine” when stationary, her breathing difficulties become apparent during physical exertion.

    Medical protocols in Norway ensure no preferential treatment for royal patients, with typically 20-40 patients awaiting lung transplants at any given time. Dr. Holm emphasized that transplantation represents a last-resort intervention, reserved for cases where patients face significant illness and limited life expectancy. The procedure carries substantial risks, including organ rejection and the challenge of finding suitable donor matches.

    Despite her health challenges, the palace confirmed Princess Mette-Marit’s “strong interest in continuing to carry out her duties,” though her official engagements will be adapted to accommodate her medical needs. The royal couple has already abandoned cherished activities like hiking and skiing together due to her respiratory limitations.

    This health update emerges months after separate legal proceedings involving the princess’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, who faces multiple criminal charges including rape allegations—a matter unrelated to the princess’s medical condition but adding to the royal family’s complex public circumstances.

  • Unstable weather in UAE: Sharjah urges caution at outdoor work sites

    Unstable weather in UAE: Sharjah urges caution at outdoor work sites

    Sharjah Police have escalated safety protocols for outdoor work environments as unpredictable weather patterns continue across the United Arab Emirates. The law enforcement agency disseminated an official advisory through social media platform X, mandating enhanced protective measures for personnel exposed to hazardous conditions.

    The comprehensive safety directive emphasizes strict compliance with occupational health regulations during both operational hours and worker transportation. Employers face increased scrutiny to implement preventive strategies that mitigate weather-related accidents and safeguard labor welfare. The advisory specifically targets construction sites and external work zones where environmental exposure presents elevated risks.

    Concurrently, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has enacted parallel precautions for educational institutions. Private schools received instructions to prioritize staff safety through flexible work arrangements and suspend all outdoor programming. The education authority specifically addressed institutions conducting holiday sessions, prohibiting off-campus activities until weather conditions stabilize.

    These coordinated responses follow the UAE’s most intense rainfall period, which recorded precipitation peaks of 127mm in Ras Al Khaimah. Emergency services continue remediation efforts across affected regions, particularly addressing transportation disruptions caused by flash flooding. The national weather instability has prompted multi-jurisdictional coordination between police, educational authorities, and civil defense units to maintain public safety standards during meteorological uncertainties.

  • Dubai’s RTA halts intercity bus services to and from Ajman, Sharjah until further notice

    Dubai’s RTA halts intercity bus services to and from Ajman, Sharjah until further notice

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented an immediate suspension of all intercity bus services connecting Dubai with the neighboring emirates of Ajman and Sharjah. This precautionary measure responds to developing unstable weather conditions affecting the region.

    The transportation authority confirmed the suspension will remain effective indefinitely as safety officials continue monitoring meteorological developments. The decision prioritizes passenger safety amid forecasts predicting intermittent rainfall of varying intensity across scattered areas of Dubai.

    Despite the bus service interruption, Dubai Metro operations continue unaffected with all trains maintaining regular schedules throughout the network. Commuters relying on intercity bus transportation are advised to seek alternative arrangements and monitor official RTA communication channels for service restoration updates.

    Meteorological departments attribute the unstable conditions to a persistent low-pressure system impacting the Middle Eastern region. Weather patterns are expected to intensify with thunderstorms forecasted to move eastward from Saudi Arabia toward the UAE and Qatar.

    Authorities have reiterated emergency preparedness guidelines, urging residents to exercise caution, remain indoors when possible, and adhere to all official safety instructions during this period of meteorological uncertainty.

  • Pope names new archbishop of Westminster as part of generational shift in English-speaking hierarchy

    Pope names new archbishop of Westminster as part of generational shift in English-speaking hierarchy

    In a significant restructuring of English-speaking Catholic leadership, Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment of Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster on Friday. The 67-year-old prelate will succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is retiring at 80 after leading the largest British diocese in terms of Catholic population and clerical numbers.

    This appointment follows closely on the heels of another major leadership change: Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, was named yesterday to replace Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York, one of America’s most prominent archdioceses. Both outgoing cardinals had held their influential positions since 2009, appointed during Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy.

    The transitions signal a deliberate generational shift within the Church hierarchy. Pope Leo has emphasized his commitment to enforcing the standard retirement age of 75 for bishops more consistently, viewing this as essential for revitalizing Church leadership. While acknowledging possible two-year extensions in exceptional cases, the Pontiff stated last month that the Church must “constantly renew itself” to address contemporary challenges and prevent “inertia from slowing necessary change.”

    Bishop Moth brings a diverse background to his new role. Born in Chingola, Zambia, he previously served as bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015 and as bishop to the British armed forces. He now assumes leadership of Westminster Cathedral, considered the mother church for Catholics in England and Wales.

    In related developments, Pope Leo accepted the resignation of 75-year-old Bishop Gerald Barbarito of Palm Beach, Florida, appointing Reverend Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez as his successor. Father Rodriguez currently pastors Our Lady of Sorrows church in Queens, New York—the largest parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn with 17,000 congregants in a predominantly Hispanic community that suffered devastating losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Cardinal Dolan’s retirement concluded his tenure shortly after he finalized a $300 million settlement fund for victims of clergy sexual abuse, addressing one of the Church’s most pressing challenges.

  • UAE weather: Orange, yellow alerts issued for heavy rains; lightning, hail likely

    UAE weather: Orange, yellow alerts issued for heavy rains; lightning, hail likely

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing continued unstable weather conditions as a low-pressure system advances westward across the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued orange and yellow weather alerts warning residents of potentially hazardous conditions through Friday afternoon.

    Meteorological authorities indicate convective cloud formations are generating substantial precipitation over western and coastal areas, including Fujairah. These weather patterns are accompanied by strong winds reaching velocities up to 40 kilometers per hour, creating blowing dust and sand that significantly reduce horizontal visibility.

    The orange alert remains active until 1:40 PM local time, with the yellow alert extending until 4:00 PM. Meteorological experts warn that certain regions may experience lightning storms, thunder, and hail in addition to the precipitation.

    Temperatures across the Emirates have dropped considerably, with Abu Dhabi recording temperatures between 17°C and 22°C, Dubai experiencing 16°C to 23°C, and Sharjah ranging from 15°C to 21°C. The combination of precipitation and temperature drop creates unusually cool conditions for the region.

    Maritime conditions have also deteriorated, with the Arabian Gulf experiencing wave heights up to 6 feet until 4:00 PM. The Oman Sea is similarly affected with rough sea conditions expected to continue throughout the weather event. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated through official channels as the situation develops.

  • Lionel Messi visits Vantara, immersed in sacred Indian traditions and wildlife conservation

    Lionel Messi visits Vantara, immersed in sacred Indian traditions and wildlife conservation

    In a remarkable fusion of global sports stardom and ecological philanthropy, football legend Lionel Messi embarked on an immersive journey through India’s wildlife conservation landscape during his recent visit to Vantara. The Inter Miami superstar, accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, experienced the profound integration of traditional Indian spirituality and cutting-edge animal welfare at the sanctuary founded by Anant Ambani.

    The visit commenced with elaborate Sanatana Dharma rituals, including a ceremonial Maha Aarti featuring Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, and Shiv Abhishek—an spiritual initiation emphasizing reverence for all living beings. Messi then explored Vantara’s expansive ecosystem, witnessing firsthand the facility’s revolutionary approach to wildlife rehabilitation.

    Throughout his tour, Messi engaged with rescued big cats, observed specialized veterinary procedures at the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, and participated in enrichment activities—including an impromptu football session with Maniklal, an elephant calf rescued from logging industry exploitation. The emotional pinnacle emerged when Anant and Radhika Ambani honored the athlete by naming a lion cub ‘Lionel’ in recognition of his inspirational legacy.

    The football icon expressed profound admiration for Vantara’s operations, noting in Spanish: ‘What Vantara does is truly beautiful… We had a wonderful time, felt completely at ease throughout, and it is an experience that stays with you.’ He further acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national conservation efforts and highlighted the alignment between Vantara’s mission and his own Leo Messi Foundation’s humanitarian work.

    The visit concluded with traditional Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod rituals, symbolizing auspicious beginnings and shared commitment to compassionate conservation—bridging sporting excellence with ecological stewardship in an unprecedented cross-cultural exchange.

  • At least 9 wounded in Taipei smoke grenade and knife attack

    At least 9 wounded in Taipei smoke grenade and knife attack

    TAIPEI — A chaotic series of attacks unfolded in central Taipei on Friday when an unidentified assailant launched smoke grenades and wielded a knife at pedestrians, resulting in at least nine injuries before the suspect apparently jumped from a building to evade capture. Authorities confirmed the suspect’s death at a local hospital following the incident.

    The violence began at Taipei Main Station, the city’s major transportation hub, where the perpetrator detonated smoke grenades, triggering panic among commuters. Surveillance footage from broadcaster EBC showed the individual subsequently boarding the metro, traveling one stop, and continuing his assault by releasing additional smoke devices on street level.

    Armed with a knife, the attacker menaced pedestrians before barricading himself inside a commercial establishment, prompting terrified screams from bystanders. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that four victims sustained serious injuries during the ordeal.

    Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai provided additional details, noting that one victim experienced cardiac arrest after being knocked to the ground during the attack. Another individual suffered respiratory complications due to smoke inhalation. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the suspect’s background and motives while implementing heightened security measures across Taiwan’s rail and metro networks.

  • Dubai calls on private schools to put staff safety first, avoid outdoor activities

    Dubai calls on private schools to put staff safety first, avoid outdoor activities

    In response to challenging weather conditions, Dubai’s educational authorities have issued a formal directive to all private schools across the emirate, emphasizing the paramount importance of staff safety and welfare. The advisory, released on Friday, December 19, 2025, specifically calls for the immediate suspension of all outdoor activities until further notice.

    The comprehensive safety measures come as part of the city’s proactive approach to risk management during periods of adverse weather. Educational institutions have been instructed to implement alternative indoor programs and ensure that all staff members are provided with appropriate protection and accommodations. The directive underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining operational continuity while prioritizing the wellbeing of educational personnel.

    This weather-responsive protocol represents Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards within its educational ecosystem. Private schools have been requested to maintain constant communication with relevant authorities and promptly report any weather-related concerns that may affect normal operations or compromise safety standards.

    Educational administrators across Dubai have welcomed the clear guidelines, which provide a structured framework for decision-making during unpredictable weather patterns while ensuring minimal disruption to academic activities through appropriate contingency planning.

  • Half marathon route along Suzhou Creek in Putuo

    Half marathon route along Suzhou Creek in Putuo

    Shanghai’s Putuo district will showcase its remarkable urban rejuvenation through the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon on December 19, 2025. This 21-kilometer course offers participants and spectators an immersive journey along one of Shanghai’s most historically significant waterways, blending athletic challenge with cultural discovery.

    The meticulously designed route connects eight distinctive landmarks that exemplify Putuo’s transformation from industrial zone to modern urban destination. Runners will encounter Tian’an 1000 Trees, an architectural marvel featuring forest-inspired design that integrates lush greenery with innovative public spaces. The course then proceeds through M50 Creative Park, a repurposed industrial complex that now houses cutting-edge galleries, artist studios, and contemporary art exhibitions.

    Further along the route, participants will experience Hong Shou Fang, a commercial district revitalized from traditional Shikumen lane houses that preserves historical architecture while supporting modern commerce. The Environmental Theme Park at Suzhou River Mengqing Garden demonstrates the district’s commitment to ecological restoration, offering both educational opportunities and waterfront leisure activities.

    The marathon circuit also includes Global Harbor’s expansive shopping facilities, Changfeng Joy City’s entertainment venues, the natural oasis of Changfeng Park, and the purpose-built Suzhou Creek Half Marathon Park. Collectively, these sites present a comprehensive portrait of Putuo’s dynamic urban development, highlighting successful integration of historical preservation, ecological consciousness, and modern infrastructure.

    The event represents more than athletic competition—it serves as a moving showcase of urban planning achievement, demonstrating how cities can balance development with environmental and cultural preservation. Participants will witness firsthand how Shanghai has transformed its historical waterways into vibrant public spaces that serve both residents and visitors.